The Red Bull Racing team will use data software to run on the factory’s High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster to help deliver simulations to a ‘larger scale’ with a terabyte of data used, according to its CIO. Chief Information Officer Matt Cadieux says delivering the digital technologies at a fast pace while also ‘managing IT budgets’ is a recurring challenge for the company. (See also: Virgin Trains uses automation to improve customer contact engagement)

The use of digital technologies will help improve the overall driver performance following the recent win from Daniel Ricciardo at the 2016 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix, last weekend.

“Our biggest concern is the explosion of analysis and simulation,” he said. “Even though we have been adaptors of change in keeping up with the pace of demands in the company and the customers it has been remained a priority in my role.”

“Instead of the data and automation being a road block and getting in the way of implementation into the company we are trying to be an enabler and partner with a lot of people in helping to make the tools faster."

Closing the skills gap

Red Bull Racing uses its brand name and sport to reduce the talent skills gap and improve the recruitment of engineers, often looking for ‘innovation’ and a ‘hands-on approach’ as vital skills to help push boundaries.

“We know or not within two weeks of hiring if they are the right person fit for the team. Our internal customers in our company are very demanding and if we don’t deliver it can make a difference to the business strategy and the car performance,” Cadieux said.

CIO Cadieux sees his CIO role as ‘full on’ while also ‘stimulating’ in knowing you are making a difference to the organisation.

“If you want an easy life and just want to sit back with your feet up it’s not the place for you,” he said. “It’s rewarding because when you see the race and the results of the team you can actually say you know you have contributed in helping design a fast car... with the infrastructure often helping to make the right decisions for simulation and analysis.”

The next Formula 1 race will be held at the Japanese Grand Prix on October 9 which will see the team of engineers working to account for the different driving environments and tracks.

Cadieux sees the future of Red Bull Racing and his main CIO goal is to “win races” while also continuing to “improve the applications” of the digital technology often reflecting how fast the cars go on the track.

“We make a lot of decisions on the race weekend. The more we can use analysis to supplement our experienced people the better decisions we make while having the foundations of the applications and infrastructure to enable a quicker development and to continually improve the business without breaking the bank.”